IMPD on high alert at downtown NYE events amid worldwide terror threats
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Thousands of people are expected to celebrate the start of 2016 in downtown Indianapolis, but recent terror threats towards Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C., have put officials here on heightened alert.
The chief of Homeland Security Indianapolis told 24-Hour News 8 the agency has a plan in place. People attending the celebration downtown can expect to see a heavy police presence.
“We’re going down to Georgia Street and watch them drop the race car, and there’s not one iota of fear,” said Walter McMannis.
“I’m not going to be afraid all the time. I can’t. You wouldn’t enjoy any life,” said Janice McMannis.
The McMannis family is visiting from Mooresville.
Despite the large crowd, she said she feels safer than ever.
“We’re just here for a good time. It never occurred to us to even consider terrorism is a threat when we were making our plans to come and spend the evening here,” said McMannis.
Thousands turned out for the New Year’s Eve celebration last year, and Jake Pierce said he had no worries.
“Last year I went downtown for my 21st birthday last year, so we ended up spending the night here at a hotel and having a blast downtown,” said Pierce, a Crawford resident. “[I] definitely was aware [of the threats], but I did feel safe. I mean, there were cops I felt like every corner. It was a great time and I felt safe doing anything. I wasn’t scared to go down any street along or with my friends.”
Threats or not, Gary Coons, the head of Indianapolis Homeland Security is reminding people to be extra vigilant, report anything suspicious and for families to set up an emergency plan.
“Just like they do at home for fire we ask them to have plans when they go out to big events,” said Coons. “We always do. Know your surroundings and know where you’re at and what you do if you separate.”
With any large event, Coons said, officers will be out patrolling in uniform and undercover, keeping a close watch from up above.
“Everybody is going to have a good time; that’s what we want is for everyone to have a good time,” said Coons. “Return back to where they came from and talk about how good of a time they had.”
Coons said K9 dogs also did a sweep of the performance stage on Georgia Street near Bankers Life before the celebration.